Industry 4.0 is chance and challenge for utilities. Today’s utilities have to get fit to meet the challenges of advancing digitization and leverage the opportunities of new business opportunities that arise from it. Disruptive blockchain future scenario should be taken into account in their long-term business strategy.

The massive installation of intermittent renewable technologies such as wind and PV is challenging the energy balance. In this new scenario, demand side is key and can play a relevant role in meeting this challenge, reducing the need for more expensive flexibility services from traditional generation and network-scale storage. In addition, demand side participation is critical to accomplish a cost-effective energy transition.